2026 Predictions from Kai Werner, TeamViewer’s Chief Human Resources Officer

The quality of digital workplace experiences will emerge as a leading factor in employee retention decisions, surpassing traditional considerations like compensation and benefits, such as healthcare or a company car. According to a new global research study issued by TeamViewer, 47% of workers say digital friction makes them frustrated and less satisfied with their jobs, and 28% have even considered quitting over IT dysfunction. As employees invest more heavily in personal technology and expect seamless digital experiences in their private lives, tolerance for workplace technology failures will reach zero. Organizations with fragmented communication channels, slow-loading systems, and poor interoperability across platforms will inevitably see their best talent leaving to join competing companies offering superior digital experiences.

Organizations must prioritize eliminating digital friction by investing in seamless, integrated technology stacks that enable effortless collaboration. They can do this by implementing proactive monitoring systems that identify and resolve IT issues before they impact employees-preventing problems rather than reacting to them. Most critically, it's important to listen to what employees are saying about their technology experiences - employees are generally open in highlighting things that don't work well and demanding things that could work better.